Art 126 A: Topics in Studio Course Syllabus

Summer 2006

The BODY: Covered, Uncovered and Recovered

T TH 8:30-11:50AMRoom: Art 228

Instructor: Timea Tihanyi

Email:

Office: Art 328J

Office hours: Thursday noon to 1PM or by appointment

Course Description

Through research assignments and project developments we will consider the human body: its movement, function, and interaction with its environment. Each of the three three-week sessions is devoted to a specific way of looking at and thinking about the body. We will be using sculptural techniques to gain familiarity with its basic forms and proportions. We will design wearable objects of body extension and adornment. Finally, we will consider the body’s relationship to space and architecture.

This is a studio course that requires you to invest at least 6-8 hours a week outside of class.

Please note: we will have a nude live model in two classes. If you have concerns or questions regarding that, please let me know in advance.

The class will also provide you with many contemporary examples of artistic process and will prepare you to tackle the challenges from the initial idea to the execution. Each project will have a few well-articulated limitations and goals to keep in mind. Most importantly, you have complete freedom to be creative, experiment, and strive to fresh ideas! Have fun with the projects!

Course Objectives

Gain basic understanding of elements of visual composition and their relationship.

Gain basic familiarity with major modern and contemporary art movements and their representatives.

Attain a vocabulary of art appreciation and criticism.

Expectations

See “Ground Rules”

Evaluation

Because this class emphasizes experimentation and process over the finished product you will not receive numerical grades on any of the assignments during the quarter. However, group critiques andfrequent feed-backs from me will always let you know how you’re doing on the project.

Your final grade will be determined by the following:

  • Participation (critiques, in-class projects, class discussions) 50%
  • Professional manner 20% (turning in projects on time, individual effort, commitment, progress)
  • Quality of projects 30%

Critiques

Group critiques are your resources to understand and explore ideas. Feedback received during project presentations and critiques help you learn from your work and that of your peers. It is a way to develop an eye and an ear for art appreciation and improve the verbal articulation of your ideas. For these reasons your input and involvement is essential.

Sketch book

You are required to keep a sketch/scrap book to collect you references, assignment sheets, ideas, notes, and sketches for this class all in one place. Your sketchbook is a record of your process. Bring your sketchbook to every class. Add new entries to it frequently.

It will be reviewed at final grading and during one-on-one project discussions.

Supplies – Bring them to every class!

Sketch book,nosmaller than 9”x12”

Variety of drawing, painting, mark-making tools and brushes (pick your favorites)

color pencils, pastels, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic paint, Sumi ink

NO OIL PAINTS

and a good eraser

Cutting tools: a good pair of scissors, Utility knife, X-acto knife

Adhesives: masking tape, Elmer’s glue, etc

Measuring tools: 18” steel ruler with cork backing, measuring tape

sculptural materials (wire, cardboard, recycled fabric, plastic bags, yarns, found objects, etc) and basic tools as needed

butter knife (or basic clay tools)

pliers

You are encouraged to investigate all sorts of materials (conventional and unconventional). Explore thrift stores, hardware stores, family member’s attics and basements, etc. for inspiring materials and ideas. Collect magazines, newspaper, fabric, cardboard, cool “useless” things, just about anything…

You may want to leave your collection of materials in the classroom in a box labeled with your name.

Equipment for project idea development or documentation (NOT REQUIRED but helpful if you have or able to borrow):

35mm camera and film

digital camera, digital video camera and miniDV tape

WRITABLE CD-RW and DVD-RW

USB Flash Drive, iPod, or other transportable file storage

Your Resources

SOA Library and Slide Library for researching artists and ideas (1st floor)

SOAMediaCenter to check out STF laptops and projectors (1st floor)

SOA Computing Center a.k.a. SOACC to check out video and digital cameras;use computers for editing, printing, email access (2nd floor)

SOA Woodshop for all kinds of woodworking tools. You’ll be checked out on the equipment before you are allowed to use it on your own. (1st floor)

Local exhibition venues to see art happening, The Henry Art Gallery (free with Husky card)

Handouts, in-class slide presentations

Nearest art supply:

Dumpster and recycling

Hardwicks Hardware on Roosevelt

The White Elephant thrift Store on 65th

Artist and Craftsman Supply (behind PetCo off of 45th)

University Bookstore (basement)

ACE Hardware on the Ave

If you would like to request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact Disabled Student Services, 448 Schmitz, (206) 543-8924 (V/TTY). If you have a letter from Disabled Student Services indicating you have a disability that requires academic accommodation, please present the letter to me as soon as possible so we can discuss the accommodations you might need for the class.